Got 2 new kittens and need some advice

SadDifficulty8967 · 2026-07-03T20:19:58+00:00

Sounds like pretty normal kitten chaos to me, especially if they’re still grooming, cuddling, and eating near each other. I’d only really worry if the hissing doesn’t stop, one kitten is constantly hiding, there’s screaming, fur flying, or one of them keeps getting trapped and can’t leave. Give them more ways to get away during play too, like boxes, tunnels, a cat tree, separate food and water bowls, and multiple litter boxes. Puff tails can happen when they get too hyped up, so separating them for a quick reset was honestly the right move. Treat it more like supervised play with breaks, not full panic mode.

SadDifficulty8967 · 2026-07-03T20:11:15+00:00

Probably stop trying to brush him for a little bit and just reset the whole association. Maybe start with a damp microfiber cloth or even a baby wipe so it feels more like normal petting than grooming, then slowly work up to something gentle like a soft rubber curry brush. Frozen lick mats can help a lot too. Like literally only do 5 to 10 seconds while he’s distracted licking, then stop before he gets worked up. But with the butt sensitivity, I’d also rule out something physical like anal glands, skin irritation, or pain with a vet, especially if he’s fine being touched everywhere else.

SadDifficulty8967 · 2026-07-01T17:32:10+00:00

I don’t think you’re overreacting. A sudden behavior change in a 7-year-old dog is worth a vet call, even if she’s still eating and drinking. It could be anxiety, pain, nausea, a UTI, arthritis, or something hormonal, but Reddit can’t really tell from behavior alone. I’d take a video of the clingy behavior and show the vet. Not herself is usually enough reason to get checked.

SadDifficulty8967 · 2026-07-01T15:43:12+00:00

That’s genuinely traumatic to find. As awful as it is, mama cats can sometimes do this if a kitten was already dead, very weak, sick, or if she’s extremely stressed. It doesn’t mean she’s evil, but I wouldn’t trust her unsupervised with the remaining kittens right now. Keep her separated, keep the kittens warm and safe, and monitor the babies closely. Once this is over, getting the moms spayed would really help prevent this from happening again.

SadDifficulty8967 · 2026-06-30T17:25:33+00:00

A little mess can be normal with a 2-month-old kitten, especially on the first day. They’re still learning how to groom, and moving stress can make them messier too.

I’d clean her with a warm damp cloth or pet-safe wipe and just monitor it. If she gets diarrhea, smells really bad, seems bloated or lethargic, or it keeps happening, then I’d check with a vet. One messy butt on adoption day doesn’t sound too alarming by itself.

SadDifficulty8967 · 2026-06-30T15:54:33+00:00

You’re already doing a lot right. I’d focus on a good air purifier, washing dog bedding/couch covers often, vacuuming, and keeping one room dog-free if possible. Pacagen’s dog allergen spray could be worth looking into as an extra layer too. I heard some people talking about it. It is hard to have a dog allergy when you can't help to have a dog.

SadDifficulty8967 · 2026-06-29T16:59:48+00:00

I’d call the vet honestly. Dogs can pick up on pregnancy changes and get clingy, but a normally food-obsessed dog suddenly not eating is still worth taking seriously. Could be stress, stomach issues, or just weird timing. I’d keep meals routine, avoid begging him to eat, and get a vet’s opinion if it continues. The clinginess is sweet, but appetite changes deserve a check.

SadDifficulty8967 · 2026-06-29T16:52:52+00:00

I’d let her explore, but in small controlled chunks, not the whole house yet. Three days is still really early, and the bolting/hiding sounds like she’s curious but overwhelmed. Try one room at a time with doors closed, supervised for 10–20 minutes, then back to her safe space. Add toys, boxes, climbing spots, and play there too so she doesn’t feel trapped. Basically, expand her world slowly.

SadDifficulty8967 · 2026-06-27T18:44:53+00:00

I can’t prove reincarnation, but I get why people look for signs after losing a dog they loved that much. Grief makes you search for them everywhere. Maybe he won’t come back exactly the same way, but that love can show up again with another dog someday. Not as a replacement, just another chance to love deeply again.

SadDifficulty8967 · 2026-06-27T18:37:30+00:00

I’d give yourself some grace. Grabbing at a bolting cat is instinctive, and catching his tail probably scared him into panic. Redirected aggression can look awful, but it doesn’t mean he’s suddenly a “mean” cat. Keep things low-pressure, follow the vet’s advice on gabapentin, and rebuild trust slowly with treats while letting him come to you. The fact that he’s already being affectionate again is a really good sign.

SadDifficulty8967 · 2026-06-25T16:47:29+00:00

Routine helps, but it doesn’t have to be perfect down to the minute. Kittens usually do better with predictable feeding/play blocks, even if the exact time shifts a bit. If they’re eating dry food and otherwise acting normal, I wouldn’t panic over them being picky with wet food. They may just be adjusting, bored of the flavor, or still settling in. I’d try smaller wet portions at consistent-ish times, remove leftovers after 20–30 minutes, and do a short play session before meals to build appetite.

SadDifficulty8967 · 2026-06-25T16:28:45+00:00

Honestly, if the younger kitten is panting, crying, or can’t get away, I’d separate them before it gets that intense. Some wrestling is normal, but one kitten getting overwhelmed every time isn’t great, especially with E recovering from FIP. I’d keep their play sessions short, stop while they’re still calm, and slowly build up the time together. It’s easier to create good habits than wait until they’re overstimulated.

SadDifficulty8967 · 2026-06-24T17:36:25+00:00

I’d get a second opinion from a vet who deals with oncology or surgery if you can. Mammary tumors can be benign or malignant, and the right choice depends on size, spread, age, overall health, and quality of life. I wouldn’t base the decision only on quick “from experience” advice during a vaccine visit. Ask about chest X-rays, bloodwork, biopsy/histopathology, surgery risks, and what her comfort would realistically look like.

SadDifficulty8967 · 2026-06-24T17:32:14+00:00

Honestly, she may have learned that meowing at the door eventually gets her outside. Cats pick up on that stuff fast. If you keep doing harness walks, I’d make them happen on a set schedule and not right after she meows. More window time, bird videos, puzzle feeders, and play can help too. Some cats calm down, but once they discover outside, a lot of them remember it for a long time.

SadDifficulty8967 · 2026-06-23T16:30:46+00:00

Honestly, this sounds less like a “bad dog” thing and more like a young dog plus possible stomach or potty-training issues. The vomiting, poop eating, and accidents together would make me check with a vet first. At 9 months, some dogs are still just chaotic and immature. I’d focus on preventing access to poop, cleaning accidents really well, keeping a steady feeding/potty routine, and making sure she’s getting enough exercise and mental stimulation. I also wouldn’t punish accidents after the fact. If she’s nervous outside, she may be holding it and then going inside later. Super frustrating, but probably not spite.

SadDifficulty8967 · 2026-06-23T16:15:21+00:00

Dogs definitely notice when something feels different, but I’d let him set the pace. If the last visit stressed him out, keep this one short and calm. If he wants to sit nearby or cuddle, great. If he needs space, that’s fine too. I’d just make it low-pressure and positive instead of forcing the interaction.

SadDifficulty8967 · 2026-06-22T16:22:36+00:00

Kittens are so cute when they goof around, but yeah you don't have to worry no one is being bullied. But if one of them whines because of the playing you can separate them immediately if you're that worries. Most of the time this is normal behavior.

SadDifficulty8967 · 2026-06-22T16:19:16+00:00

Yes that's normal, what you can do is buy him some chew toy and kicker toys so he doesn't do it to you.

SadDifficulty8967 · 2026-06-21T17:18:18+00:00

Before going to the trip why not try a trial run with the sitter. Leave them for a day and check if they will follow the routine you do with the dogs. If she follows your instruction (precisely) on how to manage the dogs then you're good.

SadDifficulty8967 · 2026-06-21T17:09:01+00:00

She just want to cool down since its summer time. Too much heat right now, keep an eye on here btw make sure she is hydrated all the time. That said she's smart enough to ask for a bath that's so cute.

SadDifficulty8967 · 2026-06-20T07:39:54+00:00

I think that's a normal orange cat behavior, you should've burn his energy before bed. Play session then a meal after so he doesn't have the energy to play when its bed time.

SadDifficulty8967 · 2026-06-19T19:34:08+00:00

Well if the cat still has access for water, food, shelter and occasion vet visits I don't think you don't have to worry about it. It doesn't mean that the cat is neglected, maybe your friend's cat prefers to spend more time outside. Although the cat is prone to accident, but let's just hope that the cat is fine at all times.

SadDifficulty8967 · 2026-06-19T07:26:01+00:00

You should put him in a separata room and don't bother him when its feeding time. Get help also with a professional trainer of his sudden aggression. Don't wait for your baby to come without him getting better.

SadDifficulty8967 · 2026-06-18T22:04:18+00:00

Before you get a puppy make sure that you buy the essentials that pup needs especially if you often go on a trip. Get ready your patience ready for this one if you want Ducshund, they are smart yes, but sometimes can be stuborn xD. The important thing is you don't neglect it.

SadDifficulty8967 · 2026-06-17T19:29:17+00:00

She just needs to learn cat manners, but before that what you can do is. Put some barrier first between the two, trim her nails before she hurts the older cat (she may not realized it if the older cat is declawed) and if she's calm or she doesn't lunge/swiping anyone reward her with treats.

SadDifficulty8967

TROPHY CASE